In the case of metal roof installation or maintenance, the tools and accessories are all that matters. As an experienced contractor or a homeowner taking on a DIY project, the right equipment will make the difference in getting the job done right–safely, efficiently, and to last. The following is a description of the main metal roofing tools and accessories that are required to achieve successful installation and long-term maintenance.
1. Metal Cutting Tools
The accuracy of cutting metal roofing panels and accessories is important. The proper tools are an investment to have clean edges, correct sizes and safer handling.
- Electric Shears or Nibblers – Best used in making long and straight cuts in metal roofing panels. The tools minimize warping and enable cleaner lines.
- Tin Snips – Indispensable when using detail work around edges, corners and penetrations. Offered in left-, right- and straight-cut styles.
- Metal Cutting Blade Circular Saw – If you need to cut a larger cut or you need speed. A blade rated for metal should always be used and the wearer should have eye protection.
2. Fastening Tools
The proper fasteners and the tools to drive the fasteners are critical to secure attachment of panels and trim.
- Cordless Drill/Impact Driver – Installs screws fast and with proper amount of torque. Select a model that allows adjusting of the clutch settings to prevent overdriving.
- Screw Gun with Depth Gauge – Useful to have screws in the same place every time, particularly when putting screws in at scale.
- Metal Roofing Screws – These are made specially with rubber washers to seal and to resist the forces of thermal expansion.
3. Measuring & Layout Tools
When installing metal roofing panels and accessories, it is all about accuracy. These are used to provide a correct positioning of panel and symmetrical cuts.
- Tape Measure – The backbones of any install. Choose one with at least 25 ft standout.
- Chalk Line – Snap long, straight lines to use as a guide to place a panel or cut.
- Square or Angle Finder – Very important in marking angles on valleys, hips and other transition roofing points.
4. Safety Gear
It is not only hard to work with metal, but sharp. Use the adequate personal protective equipment.
- Cut-Resistant Gloves – These are made to deal with sharp edges without getting cut, but they provide your grip and dexterity.
- Roof Harness and Anchor System – In any steep-slope installation, safety is your number one priority.
- Hearing Protection, and Safety Glasses – Necessary during panel cutting or operations with power tools.
5. Specialty Roofing Accessories
The appropriate accessories applied in metal roofing are the right ones that guarantee a clean appearance, good drainage, and durability.
- Ridge Caps and Endwall Flashing – They cover up weak points that panels join in ridge or wall seams and prevent water entry.
- Butyl Tape or Sealant – This is used between the overlapping panels and flashings to form a waterproof seal.
- Closure Strips (Vented and Solid) – Fit under ridge caps and at the edges of panels to exclude pests and weather and permit ventilation.
6. Maintenance Tools
Once installed, roof health in the long-term requires a small handful of tools to be available.
- Magnetic Sweeper – Once installed, this device can be used to remove metal shaving or loose screws that may harm the roof or can be dangerous.
- Roof Brush or Soft Broom – To clean the panel finish without scratches on a regular basis.
- Touch-Up Paint and Sealant – This is useful to fill small scratches or seal small holes that can develop over the life of the car.
Final Thoughts
Be it a new roofing or a maintenance of the old one, the right tools and accessories in the metal roofing make the roof durable, perform well and have a finish that is neat. We not only offer the best metal roofing panels and accessories at RPS Metal Roofing & Siding but also trained professional assistance to ensure your project is successful throughout the entire process.
Searching to get started? Contact our team to request a free aerial survey and professional advice that is specific to your project.